In this edition:
View FWISD’s Chairs for Teaching Excellence Awards Luncheon on YouTube | FWISD Students, Most Employees Off for Thanksgiving Break Nov. 21-25 | Professional Learning Opportunities Available for Teachers Over Thanksgiving Break | Furniture Purchase Approved for New Central Administration Building | Get United and Invest In FWISD Students, Families | YWLA Teacher Wins Chopped! | American Indian Education Program Prepares Students for Postsecondary Education | Metro Opportunity HS to Host Food Giveaway Today | Support a Child As a FWISD Angel Tree Donor This Holiday Season | District Issues November 2022 Board Policy Update | Annual Rockley Family Foundation Instrument Sale Is Nov. 25-27: Proceeds Allow Foundation to Continue Supporting Organizations Like FWISD with Free Music Instrument Loans | ‘Fill the Bag’ Event Will Allow Area Teachers to Choose Free Items for Classroom Libraries | Arlington Heights Beats Frisco Independence to Advance to Area Round of Playoffs | FWISD in the News | Photos of the Week | Video of the Week
View FWISD’s Chairs for Teaching Excellence Awards Luncheon on YouTube
The Fort Worth ISD is celebrating 16 honorees of the 2022-2023 Academic Chairs for Teaching Excellence at a special awards luncheon today, Nov. 17 in downtown Fort Worth.
Tune into the Fort Worth ISD LIVE YouTube channel around noon for the live broadcast of the luncheon or watch the replay at your leisure. The program begins at approximately 12:05 p.m.
The Academic Chairs for Teaching Excellence program recognizes FWISD’s outstanding classroom teachers with a $5,000 honorarium, sponsored by our dedicated community partners, the one-year title of Academic Chair for Teaching Excellence, and a flag to display in a prominent location.
Click here to learn more about the Academic Chairs for Teaching Excellence program.
This year’s Teaching Chairs sponsors and honorees are:
Meta Chair for Teaching Excellence in Career & Technical Education
Dr. Amber Reeder, Texas Academy for Biomedical Sciences
Angela D. Paulos Chair for Teaching Excellence in Visual Arts
Ann-Denise Anderson, Polytechnic High School
Friedman Chair for Teaching Excellence in Performing Arts
Aubrey Kistler, Southwest High School
Sewell Lexus & Infiniti of Fort Worth Chair for Teaching Excellence in Humanities
Billie D. Hainsey, Meadowbrook Middle School
Broadway at the Bass Chair for Teaching Excellence in Dance & Theater
David M. Smith, South Hills High School
Blue Zones Project Chair for Teaching Excellence in Health & Physical Education
Enrique Rodriguez, Worth Heights Elementary School (elementary)
Mario Flores, Benbrook Middle-High School (secondary)
TTI, Inc. Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary Math
James Korn, Arlington Heights High School
Chase Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary English
Joshua G. Torres, McLean Middle School
Central Market Chair for Teaching Excellence in Early Childhood Education
Karina Al Rashdan, Leadership Academy at Mitchell Blvd. Elementary School
Lockheed Martin Chair for Teaching Excellence in High School STEM
Evette Y. Mumford, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Reading
Mary J. Mosley, Leadership Academy at John T. White Elementary School
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary Science
Saskia Borjas, Benbrook Middle-High School
Lockheed Martin Chair for Teaching Excellence in Middle School STEM
Stephanie Smith Delgadillo, Riverside Middle School
Kroger Chair for Teaching Excellence in Special Education
Susan Anne Alexander, Greenbriar Elementary
Lockheed Martin Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Math & Science
Victoria Bergman, Burton Hill Elementary School
FWISD Students, Most Employees Off for Thanksgiving Break Nov. 21-25
Fort Worth ISD students and most Fort Worth ISD staff will observe Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 21-25. All 239- and 244-day employees must report to work Nov. 21-23, unless they have received approved time off. The District is closed Nov. 24 and 25 for the holidays.
Prior to the break Friday, Nov. 18, Child Nutrition Services/ Aramark is offering a special holiday lunch at all District schools that will include turkey, gravy, dressing, mashed potatoes, and cinnamon apples.
There will be no Inside FWISD publication Nov. 24. The Communications Department is pausing its Thursday newsletter for one week and resuming the publication Dec. 1, 2022.
General FWISD business hours and class schedules will resume Monday, Nov. 28.
Professional Learning Opportunities Available for Teachers Over Thanksgiving Break
Editor's Note: FWISD Professional Learning is offering teachers several online FLEX course opportunities next week. Click here to learn more.
Furniture Purchase Approved for New Central Administration Building
Editor's Note: The Central Administration Facility Update provides the latest details about construction at the District's newly renovated Central Administration Building.
Link to FAQs from Team Captains
GET UNITED AND INVEST IN FWISD STUDENTS, FAMILIES
There is still time to make a pledge to the 2022-23 Get United campaign.
Support United Way of Tarrant County in continued efforts to invest in FWISD students and families and to help our neighbors in need. In this short video, Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Angélica M. Ramsey explains the impact giving makes on the Tarrant County community.
Check your email inboxes or hover over the QR code below for a link to a secure pledge website where you can decide on making a payroll deduction or a one-time gift. Giving is strictly voluntary.
“Many of your colleagues have answered the call, but there is still more work to do to create meaningful change - change that helps more students graduate, more local families become financially stable, and more of our neighbors live healthy lives,” states a United Way of Tarrant County message recently sent to FWISD employees. “Your decision to support United Way of Tarrant County means a more equitable, healthy, and educated Tarrant County, for all.”
The Get United campaign continues through early December.
YWLA Teacher Wins Chopped!
Kathleen Cluchey of Fort Worth ISD’s Young Women’s Leadership Academy is the Chopped Champion!
The middle school pre-AP science teacher competed and won the title on the Thanksgiving-themed episode of the Food Network cooking show “Chopped” that aired Tuesday, Nov. 15.
“When I won, it was hard to believe. I just couldn’t believe that I had actually done it because going into it, I had no clue how I would stack up against the other competitors. It was surreal,” she said. “I think my initial reaction didn’t even include words.”
Four teachers from across the nation, including Cluchey, appeared on the episode, titled “Thankful for Teachers,” where they prepare a three-course meal, “share their love of cooking and their heartfelt stories of educating America’s children,” the episode’s summary states. The show was filmed in February, and Ms. Cluchey said she has had to keep the secret about the show’s outcome all these months.
“I’m delighted that it is out there for everyone to see,” she said.
Chopped’s “Thankful for Teachers” episode re-airs on the Food Network at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, and is available to stream on Discovery+.
Congratulations, Ms. Cluchey!
American Indian Education Program Prepares Students for Postsecondary Education
Editor’s note: November is Native American Heritage Month. Throughout November, look for stories in Inside FWISD highlighting the District’s American Indian Education Program.
A goal for FWISD’s American Indian Education Program is for every Native student to finish high school ready for a postsecondary education.
Listings, including information from tribal nations and other organizations about scholarships awarded to students of Native American descent, are distributed to FWISD families monthly. The scholarship information is also available to students through their campus College and Career Readiness Go Centers and on FWISD’s American Indian Education Program website.
High school juniors and seniors also meet in person with American Indian Education Program staff during the academic year to make them aware of college scholarships awarded to Native students through College Board’s BigFuture Scholarship Program. Additionally, the American Indian Education Program partners with the Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas to provide the District’s Native American families with resources regarding applying for college.
Click here to learn more about FWISD’s American Indian Education Program offerings.
Metro Opportunity HS to Host Food Giveaway Today
A food giveaway is being hosted at Fort Worth ISD’s Metro Opportunity High School prior to Thanksgiving Break.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, Nov. 17, residents can pick up food at the school, located at 2801 Patino Road. The Free Food event is made available through a partnership between the school and Tarrant Area Food Bank.
Upon arriving for the food giveaway, individuals and families will be directed to a designated pickup spot on the school lot, where they are urged to remain in their vehicles, and food will be delivered to them.
For additional information, contact Jimmie Hammond, Metro Opportunity parent/student outreach specialist, at 817-814-6700.
SUPPORT A CHILD AS A FWISD ANGEL TREE DONOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Check all the boxes on a wish list for a child in need this holiday season. The FWISD Early Learning Department is looking for donors like you to participate in its 2022 Angel Tree Event.
Click here through Friday, Dec. 9, to adopt and support one or more children with gifts and resources this holiday season. Contributions will go to students in 18 classrooms at seven District Head Start collaborative child development centers across the city.
“Many of our students fall below the poverty threshold, and families sometimes struggle to provide daily necessities. Our goal is to provide a little relief by ensuring that students are provided with both their needs and wants,” said Crissy Peterson-Smith, FWISD Prekindergarten Satellite Centers principal. “We are helping to facilitate a love of learning and build a stronger sense of school and community by demonstrating to our youngest learners the importance of sharing and taking care of each other.”
Donated gifts can be dropped off at FWISD’s Teaching and Learning Center, located at 1050 Bridgewood Drive.
Contact Abigail Rivas, a FWISD pre-k specialist, at 682-472-8181, with questions or for additional Angel Tree details.
District Issues November 2022 Board Policy Update
Editor's Note: The memorandum from Deputy Superintendent Karen Molinar details recent changes to the FWISD Board Policy.
View the FWISD Board Policy Manual here, and for additional information, contact Dr. Amanda Coleman with the Division of Policy and Planning at amanda.coleman@fwisd.org or 817-814-1956.
ANNUAL ROCKLEY FAMILY FOUNDATION INSTRUMENT SALE IS NOV. 25-27
Proceeds Allow Foundation to Continue Supporting Organizations Like FWISD with Free Music Instrument Loans
Bring home the gift of beautiful music this holiday season.
Music instruments, recently on loan to students at Fort Worth ISD’s Southwest and Diamond Hill-Jarvis high schools at no cost, are now available for purchase at significant discounts.
You are invited to a special private sale, hosted by the Rockley Family Foundation, Nov. 25-27 at Jean McClung Middle School, 3000 Forest Ave. The sale features instruments from renowned manufacturers Yamaha, Bösendorfer, Seiler, Pramberger, Clavinova, Stravari Violins, a discrete selection of Steinway & Sons pianos, and many more. This sale is by appointment only, and potential buyers must call 817-807-2547 to secure a time to schedule an in-person or virtual visit.
Available instruments for sale include:
- Grand pianos
- Baby grand pianos
- Disclavier grand pianos
- Vertical (upright) pianos
- Digital pianos
- Violins
- Violas
- Cellos
Most instruments for sale are less than a year old and come tuned, ready-to-go with a new factory warranty. Delivery and special no-interest financing are available on-site.
A substantial portion of purchases is considered a charitable donation to the Rockley Family Foundation and may be tax deductible.
Through a partnership with the nonprofit foundation, FWISD students are loaned new first-class and digital pianos for free and are eligible for music scholarships. Sale proceeds allow the foundation to continue supporting local institutions and music education programs with instruments.
For additional information, visit the Rockley Family Foundation website.
‘Fill the Bag’ event will allow area teachers to choose free items for classroom libraries
Editor’s Note: The following content is provided courtesy of the Fort Worth Public Library.
Teachers looking to help their shelves are invited to select free books, DVDs, CDs, and other items 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Fort Worth Public Library’s Central location, 500 W. 3rd St. in downtown.
The “Fill the Bag” events offer non-circulating surplus items in good condition to enhance community vitality and support education and growth in Fort Worth. The available items are for all ages and stages of learning and include English- and Spanish-language materials.
Educators will be provided with one large tote bag to fill with whatever they feel will support their classroom. Check-in will be at street-level at the Central Library; teachers must bring their school ID and homeschool instructors may bring their Fort Worth Public Library educator card. Need an educator card? Signups will be available at the event.
Arlington Heights Beats Frisco Independence to Advance to Area Round of Playoffs
Arlington Heights eliminated Frisco Independence from the playoffs with a 40-21 win to advance to the area round! The Yellow Jackets won their first playoff game since 2014 and were the only one of four Fort Worth ISD team to advance in the playoffs this season.
Arlington Heights relied on running backs Brian Furch Jr. and Brandin Monroe offensively. Defensive back Keith Guidry recovered two fumbles deep in Frisco Independence territory in the second half, both leading to short touchdown runs from Furch. Cam Coleman and Roy Wright each intercepted Independence quarterback Matteo Quattrin to help seal the win.
Arlington Heights jumped to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to two short touchdown runs from Furch, who finished with 153 yards and five touchdowns on 32 carries. Independence answered in the second quarter when Quattrin connected with Jake Simpson with just 30 seconds until halftime.
Independence took a 14-13 lead in the third quarter when Quattrin hooked up with McKenzie West for a 60-yard touchdown pass. The Yellow Jackets responded with a 41-yard touchdown run from Furch to take a 20-14 lead late in the third quarter.
The Arlington Heights defense forced a turnover and held the Knights to just seven points after giving up a touchdown to surrender the lead midway through the third quarter. Brandin Monroe scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter and Arlington Heights recovered an Independence fumble on the ensuing kickoff, setting up a Furch touchdown run to make the AHHS lead 33-14. Furch would find the end zone one more time to put the game out of reach and give Heights a 40-14 lead.
Monroe finished the game with 83 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Quarterback Eric Orozco helped move the ball into the red zone to set up the short touchdown runs from Furch, completing 13 of his 19 passes for 145 yards. Tymir Biscoe led the receivers with 10 receptions for 113 yards.
Arlington Heights (10-1) will face Canutillo (9-2) in the area round on Friday, Nov. 18 at 4 p.m. at Odessa’s Ratliff Stadium. The winner of that game will take on the winner of Colleyville Heritage (8-3) and Abilene Wylie (8-3) in the regional semifinal round.
FWISD in the News
WBAP-AM's Cumulus Kids Toy Drive is currently underway. Donations support students at FWISD’s Charles Nash Elementary School and Dallas’ Martin Luther King Arts Academy.
Information about FWISD’s Operations, Auxiliary, and Substitute Hiring Fair, held Tuesday, Nov. 15, appeared on the 4 p.m. WFAA news broadcast on Monday and on Spectrum News 1.
The Paschal High School Jazz Band, a 2022 Mark of Excellence national winner, appeared in this profile on Telemundo 39 (KXTX).
FWISD Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services participated on a panel discussing youth mental health, hosted by the Fort Worth Report.
Representatives from Fort Worth ISD’s I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA were in attendance for the statue unveiling honoring Texas Christian University’s first Black student-athlete, James Cash. Read more about Mr. Cash, an I.M. Terrell alum and FWISD Wall of Fame honoree, in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Photos of the Week
Celebrating Native American Heritage
Volunteers Help Beautify Outdoor Learning Spaces at 2 FWISD Elementary Schools
Dunbar HS Alum Serves as Grand Marshal in Tarrant County Veterans Day Parade
East Fort Worth Business Association Recognizes FWISD Students, Schools
Clifford the Big Red Dog Visits FWISD Principals' Meeting
FWISD JROTC Alumni Attend Commanders' Classic
Video of the Week
Share your story ideas, successes, calendar items, photos, questions and feedback with us at Inside@FWISD.org. Content submissions are due no later than 10 a.m. Fridays for the next edition.
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